cryptick

Ok, I have a 1986 F150, 2wd, 300, with 175,000 miles on it. I have NO power anywhere in the vehicle with the exception of the radio harness which is running straight off the wall-mounted ignition solenoid.

I've checked fuses, fusible wires, and other areas all through the electrical and I'm getting nothing. I had someone help me by replacing the solenoid switch for me, but I don't know if they hooked it up the right way. I don't know which wire should go to the "s" and "i" terminals, for example. The battery is charged. I just need ideas on what to check next.

I checked the Neutral switch and there is no power there, so I started to tear apart the column to find the ignition switch to see if I was getting power there, but I don't know where the switch is, and I don't want to tear the whole thing down trying to find it.

Also, I checked the power coming into the column, using the wiring diagrams in chiltons, to figureout which wire is power, and there isn't any power there. I could be checking the wrong wire, or not do it correctly.

I need to know if the switch is near the steering wheel or in the instrument panel, on my 1986, built in Canada in August 1986. This is important because some of the parts are 1987 parts!

Thanks in advance!!! ;-)

jwko

Look Here for the switch locationAutoZone.com | Repair Info | Ignition Switch - How To Instructions


Also check for bad fusible links at the solenoid

thefonz

Did you also check the fuses under the hood at the power distribution box???

cryptick

Thanks for the responses.

I have checked for the fusible links, and they seemed to be fine. I ran a continuity test through them after unhooking from the solenoid. I checked for power at the switch box, but all was dead. I used a light-probe, grounded to the metal in the dash that holds everything in place (pedals, etc.) and probed each terminal point.

I haven't checked the fuses at the power distribution box. I will tonight.

Thaks!!!

chipt

Have you checked to make sure the battery is grounded to the frame and engine block.

cryptick

Hmm, that's an interesting angle. I will check that. I've been poking at it here and there, and then life got in the way and I'm back at it again. I'm checking an inline fuse tonight and I'll check the frame and engine are both grounded. It would be odd that that would cause it as it worked before - but strange things happen!

cryptick

I've checked the ground, that's ok. I'm still working on following the power through the truck. I stopped at the clutch switch, I still need to check that. I strongly suspect that that is the culprit, but we'll see.

jwko

You say you had someone help replace the solenoid, did you have this problem before changing the solenoid or after?

I have a 84 F-250, here is a pic of the solenoid wiring. I will look further as soon as the red wasp settle down.

thefonz

In your original post, you said you have no power anywhere except to the radio. Does that mean.... no dash lights, head lights, tail lights, dome lights,warning buzzer, nothing at all????? There is a small ground wire coming from the battery terminal, make sure that is good as well. Have you checked the fuses/relays in the power distribution box yet?? What are you refering to when you say switch box? How have you verified ground to frame and body are good?

cryptick

Hi, Really sorry about not responding, i've finally got my computer back up and now my shoulder is out (rotator cuff), very frustrating, bec I can't work on truck directly. doc says 90 days, I'm thinking 45. Fortunately, I'm still able to work.

Back to the power. There is NO power anywhere in the truck. I've tested the steering column harness for power to the ignition switch, and there's nothing. The only power is to the radio harness, which comes straight from the battery. I've checked the ground it looks fine, it was recently replaced (fixed) by an automotive electrician (specialist) and it ran for more than a year. Recent on this truck means within the last couple of years <grin>.

So, I checked the clutch switch, but shouldn't I have power at the column? Someone mentioned the ignition module. I don't even know where that is. sigh. I've check the fuses, even replaced them all.

I turn the key and nothing happens. no clicking. I open the door and the cabin lights don't come on. The headlights don't work. The battery is good bec i accidentally touched the two wires leading to the starter and it was turning the truck over. I suppose it is possible that both of my brand new solenoids were bad...